Lifeline wire size

BreakingWind2 · #1 (**permalink**) 10-02-2008

Defender has a sale on 1 X 7 Stainless Steel rigging wire, 3/32"diameter which they call a 316 stainless steel cable.

http://www.defender.com/product2.jsp?path=-1|118|107602|297597&id=1048365

This looks like the same size wire used in the lifeline kits. At 10 cents a foot, that sounds like a deal.

Is it?

Dave

bubb2 · #2 (**permalink**) 10-02-2008

I does not look to be vinyl coated, I would not use it for lifelines.

knothead · #3 (**permalink**) 10-02-2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by BreakingWind2

Defender has a sale on 1 X 7 Stainless Steel rigging wire, 3/32"diameter which they call a 316 stainless steel cable.

http://www.defender.com/product2.jsp?path=-1|118|107602|297597&id=1048365

This looks like the same size wire used in the lifeline kits. At 10 cents a foot, that sounds like a deal.

Is it?

Dave

3/32" cable is not a size that I have ever seen used for lifeline wire.
Usually lifelines are made from 1/8", 3/16" or 1/4". On occasion you will see 5/32" but I personally have never seen 3/32".

NOLAsailing · #4 (**permalink**) 10-02-2008

Bubb - ORC and other regulatory bodies have banned coated lifelines as they can hide defects.

Not to say you HAVE to have uncoated ones, but they are increasingly common, arguably safer, cheaper and, in some cases, required.

BreakingWind2 · #5 (**permalink**) 10-06-2008

Thanks for the replies guys.

Seemed a bit too good to be true, and it would appear they are too thin for lifeline use.

Dave